The tour is coming to a close and the kids will have the final say and how this blog ends. If a picture says a thousand words then these guys have a lot to say....let’s just say that thankfully this is a digital world and very few of these pics will ever be printed!!! Far too many to print for sure....I have a lot of people that I want to thank and this is the easiest place to do some of it for sure....first of all the entire staff of Three Oaks for letting us take advantage of this opportunity, it truly is a once in a lifetime experience and personally I have been able to experience it a few times. Principal Nicole Haire for backing us and me up personally in all aspects of this gigantic endeavor. Thanks to EF for their hard work in making sure that all of our needs were meet while we are on tour, yes they are a business but yes the really do care about the kids that are involved. Thanks to tour director David Harrod, who makes us run(and I mean run) to keep on time...I should probably have David organize every day of my life so I run on schedule for a change. Thanks especially to you the parents for intrusting me personally, and us as group, with your children......I know it must be nerve wracking at times thinking about sending your kids across the world, but I ask you to encourage it and not discourage it because they have grown and they have become better people because of this educational travel experience. A special thank you to Angela Carragher and Danny and Kim Brawn and Lisa Ronahan who have simply melded into the group as if they were the students and never a complaining word was spoken and this also makes my life easier while on tour.
To my chaperones Kelly, Amanda, Barb, Forrest, Alex and Margie. The hard work that you all put in, unfortunately sometimes it goes by the wayside when people talk about the trip and it being mine as Group Leader. I hope that you realize that is not the case and the group is only as good as its weakest link and we had no weak links...we were good! Your work over the last 14 months has made me look good as a group leader with people life David Harrod and EF, but please let it be known that I always mention and talk about how well we worked together as a team.
Finally to the kids...each one of you has grown, you might not realize it, but someday, in fact many days, you will look back to this opportunity your parents and guardians provided you with and say that it has influenced some of the decisions that you have made and will make in the future. Each one of you have accepted a challenge from us and the rest of Canada. Do not take this challenge lightly...be a leader in your peer group....be a leader in your community when it comes to remembrance and pass the stories along that you have discovered, you owe it to the veterans and you owe it to yourselves to keep that challenge going forward. You have an advantage over me, not that I didn't have a great teacher or two in high school(haha), but I didn't have the travel opportunity that you guys were just presented with. Learn from these experiences and make your life one that is a commitment to being the best person that you possibly can be, each and every day of your life. That is a very difficult thing to do; however, if you challenge yourself and set your goals high you will be shocked at what you can accomplish. I am honoured and proud to have travelled with everyone of you!!!
Just a quick note to say we are all tucked into our beds adjusting to the time change. Kids are well and we will in the city tomorrow and eventually on to Charlottetown... Will post final update on weekend... My body is done!
Up early and on our way, this is our final day in paradise so the kids are saying and my god it is sunny!!!! Uh oh Tanton you better break out the 95 SPF...for the 10 minute walk to the metro station to make our way to the Louvre. Last night I had said that I would write a small note about everyone....just realizing that I can’t muster the energy because it is already 1:15 and I have just started this thing!!!! I will be doing it but just not tonight, I have also asked the kids for their favorite pics of the week and that will be the next post, I can’t wait.
The Louvre is our first stop and the kids are pumped...for the first exhibit Alya, Abbey, Becky, Becca, Ellen, Marissa and Mallory stopped at a more modernist style of Art called Le Starbucks. They were able to sit at the exhibit and read all about it...they seem quite knowledgeable. C'mon girls get in the museum....
Most of the kids looked forward to checking out many of the exhibits....of course the main targets would be the Mona Lisa, the Venus Demilo, and the Winged Victory. This is the #1 museum in the world for a reason...my god this place is huge. The last time i was in Paris, I was only in Paris in for 10 hours and wanted to see the city more so than a few paintings and sculptures. Thinking about it right now and wondering if I made the proper decision. Thoroughly impressed and the crowds are immense each and every day except for Tuesdays when it is closed. The Mona Lisa is the Mona Lisa for sure and she is beautiful in her own way...and as small as people say. I was still at wonderful site to see....
The exhibit that really caught our eye was the Napoleonic Apartments....in order of you to get some kid of realistic impression of this little set of rooms you need to see some pics and some video. It was unbelievable and not hard to understand why the people revolted when you see these things. People were starving and the kings and queens were living in splendor like this. Completely, it was probably the most stunning piece in there because I have never heard of them.
From the Louvre, after a couple of hours of viewing, and drinking coffee for some, we are moving onto the Champs D’Elysees. The question is what store can we stop into to buy something....Louis Vitton, Mercedes Benz and many others. The girls did find and H&M with some very good prices however...off to the power shopping and we still have about 4kms to walk down to the obelisk in order to meet the group. This day is certainly all about the kids....they have paid their respects, they have represented their school, their city and their province, and they deserve a day to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and $$$$$$$$ of Paris. They do really deserve it!!! From there we move onto the Lafayette Arcade....kinda like the Champs...just don’t think I will pull the trigger on that $124,000 euro watch....not in the budget this yet.....then again if I hadn’t bought the $209,000 euro Mercedes on the Champs I probably would have been able to afford the watch. The building was also a center point as you will soon see..... I am not sure how I can describe the trip, we have been able to accomplish many of the goals that I have set out for this group. They are ready to head home, but of all the groups I have traveled with...they are ready to keep the tour going. I am going to talk to them tomorrow and let them know what I think about them all...not sure if I will make it through without a tear, but I will try. The kids say they have noticed that I am more relaxed since Vimy has finished and I agree. No matter what is said...this trip is about the kids, but it also defines me and the other chaperones based on what happens. I put a lot of pressure on them to perform and meet the high expectations and I want you all to know that I do that in my home. The kids can achieve anything they put their minds to and they need to make sure they do not sell themselves short...the sky is the limit for these young men and women and I hope someday that I am reading and hearing about their exploits around the world...and maybe just maybe I have played a role in that...that is why I teach! They have it in them, I know it!! From the high end shopping once again we head to dinner. I have to admit that almost everything has been impeccable...we had maybe one meal, steak hache(look it up its rare meat and the French love it) was not loved by all.....in the end we have certainly lucked out with our hotels and meals for sure.(and not everyone will agree, but hey...having done it before...you need to trust me on this one)
After supper at Flam’s, and of course eating their famous Alsace flat bread pizza and the dessert on the same flat bread with chocolate and apple as a topping, we move on to our Seine river tour. The sad thing for me is that they are starting to talk about the end of the trip and they are getting sad...lots of hugs throughout the entire group and much reminiscing, and it’s not even over. After a brief shower, we are presented with beautiful sunshine for the next hour and the trip gets many photo ops, especially when the Eiffel tower rolls into view. Well that won’t be the last time we see her, because after the river tour we have added on a trip to the tower and the majority of us are going to walk up to the 2nd level. AWESOME and I am pumped for all of us!!! I have never done this before, so I am as excited as the kids are.....this is unreal. For 6 euros or 3.50 under 24...apparently Lisa Ronahan and Angela Carragher are, but I am not(not happy) lady said $5.00 for you sir, but I tried to negotiate as my 25th bday was just yesterday....didn’t work!!! As the walk begins I am always conscious of the height...not scared nut certainly conscious. It is the same feeling I felt heading underground in the catacombs the less time I was here as I traveled underground. No worries I can make it up!! WE are having a blast here on the first level and we can’t believe the view. The kids are relishing every last minute that we can and I love it...these are the moments that I cherish as well. These kids truly care about one another and its fun to see. There are many personalities on this trip and the other groups travelling with us have remarked about how well they all get along....grateful for this beyond belief. AS we hit the 2nd level, the view just jumped up a notch...didn’t think it could. All of a sudden the tears start to flow and of course the pictures. The kids want to stay here forever but I have told them we only have another 30 minutes up here. Alex and I are ont eh level with them, as the Vertigo twins(Kelly and Amanda) make it up, but it sounds that after a short stay head back down to solid ground. MR. Eiffel you have done a wonderful job. AT 10 PM I tell them we need to leave....just then the twinkling light show starts and we are delayed by laughter, tears and picture taking once again...not sure if I am getting out of here if this keeps up. No worries we don’t even need to go to bed...well yes they do but maybe not me(its 2:45 and I leave the hotel at 7:00) only a few minutes before I drop.....I am awake again and it’s 6:00 Am and we need to get the kids up and moving. The trip has been a whirlwind and we have spent each day in constant motion. There has been plenty of emotion, for the right reasons, and we have been forever joined together by a few commonalties that we will always have. I hope that the kids always think of Europe and the year they went on a journey with friends and family(for some of us) and acquaintances for some. I hope they share what they have been taught, not just about the veterans, but about the countries and the people they have visited. The world has become a smaller place and for some these opportunities will never arise again. Although the trip is not officially over we are coming to the end. WE are heartbroken to leave Europe(some more than others) but we will forever be excited to come home to Canada....just that because it is our home. Like it or not I will have more to say once i get back to Canadian soil and get my wits about me again. Let the joys of travel begin again!! Chat soon... dc
After the day that was Vimy we are off to Paris for the last couple of days of our world tour. Sitting here at my computer, missing my own family, I take consolation in the fact that I live in a wonderful place. The kids have been a part of a transformation that in their character that they will never forget and have come through with flying colors. They have met the emotions that were presented to them head on and are willing and more importantly able to carry the torch of remembrance forward for the next generation of Canadians. It is very rewarding as a teacher, when we get to see the kids perform like they have in this capacity....this is why I teach.....I am often asked how do you teach the kids these days....I often remark that it is easy, it’s the adults I often have trouble with....these guys are what keeps me teaching, and it’s these types of activities that keep me going. Don’t get me wrong, I feel awful that I am away from my class responsibilities, but I feel very strongly that these opportunities need to take place in order to secure the future of our community. I also have to admit that the batteries have been running low....Brian Mackay happy 19th birthday!!! I promised Katie yesterday and that fell through (she doesn’t know that but I needed to be honest) and also happy birthday to Peter Stavert....Nathan made sure that I made it happen!! I am not happy with my blogging this time...I think it may be harder because we have so many kids and I try to spend as much time with every kid as I possibly can...some are more talkative than others and some really keep to themselves but the group are always as one and I can assure you of that....proud proud and even more proud! So to those of you looking for updates on your kids everything is going well.....and before the end of the trip there will be a personal update on each and every one!!! That is a promise...
I have arrived an hour earlier than the rest of the group, due to the fact that I travelled with the other bus and I am ok to do that because I am happy that they are all together. After the kids arrive in the city we head into the city of pick up our tour guide. We are getting your typical tour of city. When you are from Summerside or any city on PEI or maybe even Canada, because of our young age, I think it may be downright criminal for anyone to see there is a typical city tour of Paris. I love London and Amsterdam and Rome, but I have to admit that they don’t compare to Paris as far as full city architecture...simply amazing! The kids are excited to be getting to sites like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel thing. Just found out that little thing in the middle of the city has its own official color.....Eiffel Tower brown and it takes 52,000 gallons of paint to paint it every 3 years I believe!! More learning...may even be helpful for a Reach for the Top session at TOSH!!! The subway system here is a much more hurried and rushed affair than it is in London...the good thing is with so many chaperones and a tour director, David Harrod, who is always on the ball it works out fine all the time. We had only 1 stay behind issue, someone or multiple someones who didn’t make a train. The only time was a connection heading to supper as Margie and Speed Racer(aka Luke Thompson) didn’t get on...it was just like in hockey, sometimes there are size and speed issues that hold people back....Margie and her size would have prevented her from pushing her way on and Luke’s speed!! HAHA they were good sports and luckily no one panicked as Forrest and David simply jumped off the cars and stayed with them. After another excellent supper at LE Saulnier, we head towards Sacre Coeur, a beautiful basilica on the top of a hill that overlooks the city. The surrounding areas also has many shops, your souvenirs are coming folks, and also their first encounter with street vendors!! Ahhh the wonderful street vendors of Paris and most of Europe...they are harmless and you simply need to be forceful but not rude to get your point across. One of the most famous tricks is to shake your hand and then tie a friendship bracelet to it and then they don’t let you away...Wade, Johnny and Alex know what it’s about....5 euros for something my daughter does all the time(I should send her over) and they won’t let you leave as the boys found out. From this vantage point we were able to see across the city and get a chance to see how big it is...Long days and they are still going strong...its back to the hotel which will take about 45 minutes by subway and then off to bed to get ready for our last full touring day of the trip. Tomorrow’s blog will be more focused on the entirety of the trip and I will be doing a full report on everyone. Wednesday is a day to visit the Louvre, walk up the Champs D’Elysees, take a cruise on the River Seine and we may even squeeze in a walk up the Eiffel Tower....aaaahhhh the life in Paris say exquisite. DC
PS Forgot to mention the purchase of the day was the traditional beret...Lilly and I had ours purchased for us and were forced to wear them around town...no a good look on me, but Lilly looks like a natural especially when he has the rose between his teeth....chat tomorrow...
PSS Max and Mya...Dad will be home soon...love you and miss you both!!
PSSS I have given up on talking about the rain!!! WE are tougher than that!!!
The big day is finally here and now gone but I will get to the finer details a little later on. The day started off with an early breakfast(as per usual) and the kids are awesome as usual once again. I love these guys...once again I would travel with these young men and women anywhere! As we hit the road we hit the road with the thoughts of our veterans in our minds and hearts more than ever, we look forward to the short trip back to Vimy...oh S^&t our first casualty of the trip has just occurred...No death but definitively a very severe injury has just occurred and it makes me very nervous to tell you as parents, who have entrusted your children with us. This calls for a very major decision, one which I think falls under the categories outlined in that lawyer thingy that you signed earlier, but not 100% sure what to do.....I make a snap judgement as it only affects our bus....with that in mind we decide not to turn back and forge ahead towards and not look back, and cripes that must have hurt, but we are on a tight schedule so we’ll come back and get him tonight on the way back, but in all honesty I don’t think he will be alive by then.
That Mallard duck that just smashed into the window is on his own, we can’t turn back with the big bus and besides it’s impossible to do a U-turn. Sorry Daffy! RIP...well we are not sure he is dead but my god he hit the window hard, he was eye level with me and was like a cartoon because he stuck to the for a slight moment and stared right at me in the front see and as he slid off the window, ala his cousin Daffy, he attmepted to fly again but we didn’t see how he made out. Duck a L’orange tonight possibly? Enough goofiness sorry...
There is the monument in the distance...what a beautiful site...1936 finished and opened for the public by Sir Walter Alward...one of a kind stone from an old Roman quarry in Croatia...the spires rising into the sky signifying both Canada and France and then the names, this is going to be a big day! The significance for Canadian history is well documented and the transformation or even birth of a nation is in the forefront, I truly believe this will be the same for many of your children. I do't want to bog you down with a ton of videos or history lessons, but I do want you to know about what you kids are learning. This will give you some perspective as to what they are learning about over here, it will also show you and others that learning can take place out of the classroom no matter what is thought or said at the higher levels of the "powers that be."
Hard to imagine that all happened 95 years ago....or maybe not. What happened in those days leading up to Easter Monday was a perfect example of what Canadians as a whole do. When times are tough we buck up and muster through no matter what. What a great life lesson to be taught...sorry about the long history lesson. Back to the ceremony.
As we arrive in Givenchy we are queued in line to grab our box lunch and then to get ready for the march. Bigger and better every year! 3800 teachers and chaperones marching back through the town of Givenchy in a completely silent march...wow! The rain is holding off as we head into cemetery #2 which is well below the monument...logistically it took EF 48.5 minutes to get everyone in and centered on the grave sites. Now back for about a 3 KM walk minimun with 3799 of my closest proud canadians. The people of the city also came out of their houses to wave Canadian flags at the kids, their way of saying thanks. As I broke from the group to get ready for the ceremonies as co-master of ceremonies, Adam Gallant and Amanda Rundle are queued in line with one of our wreaths and the rest of the students are lined up beside a grave. The time has come and these kids are ready...they understand, the really do get it..we have done our job, and we are still dry!!! Oops check that the opening remarks are made and a few sprinkles come down...now its windy and now its raining...Vimy in 2012 was only slighlty different in weather than 1917, they were cold and wet and now so are we. It makes us all a little warmer inside knowing that these men gave their lives and the cold is not as bitter....the rain is not as wet....and our lives are not so bad, in fact they are great! After a very moving ceremony that lasted about 45-50 minutes, and with a couple of great masters of ceremony, it comes to close and we move back up the hill to the trenches and then onto lunch and then to the Memorial for a vieweing. There a little dispapointment however, because the Governor General is coming and the French big wigs, we are not allowed on the monument to read all the names....high high secuirty because of some issues in the country a few weeks ago....but we do get to stand on the back and have our pic taken...most thought it was the front but they now know it was the back! Then it starts to pour...downpour and it did so for the next 5 hours and we are in the middle of it...the kids are holding up well. The afternoon ceremony is the national one and we are spectators only, other than Brendan who is sitting on the monument after acting as an honnorary torch bearer for our province...he is so proud and also Grace, who has now rejoined us, who was part of a small group of students carrying our national flag of remembrance into the main ceremony.
Hate to report that we did take a couple of kids to first aid and they needed to get warmed up...Abbey and Marissa first and then Jaime...all is well and everyone but Jaime made it to the concert that everning...I am sooooo sorry but I will need to finish tomorrow and I have much more to tell. I need to be up in 3 hours because I need to go to Paris early...I made a decision to get all the kids back on one bus....I am heading to Paris early with the other bus with Bluefield, Ktown and Morrell..long story short, the other schools skipped the concert to get to Paris early(concert was awesome and our kids were the life of the party!!!) and we need to remove on person to make room for all the kids and chaperones and parents to go to Paris together and together is the key word...they are sleeping in until 7:30 and yours truly will be on his way to Paris by himself...I will meet them again about 2 or 3 in the afternoon...guess I am going to the Louvre...by myself!!! Chat more tomorrow...Kids are all good and we are loving the world tour!!! Sooo sorrry about a short story tonight!!!
dc PS..next morning is here...just thought I would let you know that the rest of the story only need be told that your kids had a blast and are sooooo glad they came to the concert...now dry, warm and fed(a little sweaty and stinky now too!) Our entire group danced the night away and crowd surfed for a good portion of it! Yikes!!!! The two bands as you have heard before are Hey Rosetta! and Spirit of the West. We encountered no casualties and we have the happiest kids in the stadium. I will leave you with a couple of more videos from the bands the kids have danced to all night...they are tired but in great spirits and we have had more than one remark about how much fun that one group seems to be having...having fun with these fools was not something I was worried about!!!!!! Chat tonight and thanks for reading once again!!! EF has once again outdid themselves for these kids!!! Trust me on this one!!! Oh yeah forgot to mention...we even got a visit, not us personally, I am good but not that good, from the Governor General and he spoke quite candidly to the kids at the concert. IN fact the GG's speech was Brendan's favorite part of the concert!!!! Haha
Semi early morning start for the gang....6 am wake up call and breakfast at 7:00 departing at 7:45....the weather today could be an issue but we have prepared the the kids that rain is in the area... Our first stop of the morning will be at arromanches... This allows us to travel back towards the coastline and get a look at operations surrounding the d-day invasion of course entitled operation overlord.... Arromacnhes is a beautiful sleepy little town that is cut out of the french coastline by what once probably was a glacier.... These towns were set up because they had access to water....and for these very reasons the germans choose them as well. The significance of this area during the D day and subsequent push forward by the Allies was the man made harbor that was established in the area.
As you will see by the photos some of this harbor still exists. These large concrete blocks were shipped from across the English channel...ooops we are in France now and it is not called that, it is called La Manche....these blocks were then sunk to create a breakwater so that ships and troops along with supplies and machinery could be landed more easily onto the beaches in the Normandy area. They are lager than life and the kids got their first taste of being on the beaches of Normandy....perspective is straing to set in...they are walking and running on the beaches....being teens like they should be....they are with their friends....they are on a vacation of sorts in france....,they are not doing the things not teenager should not be forced to do like wading into blood filled waters and attacking a beachhead where there are 3 german machine gun installations perched high up on the cliffs defining the City of Arromanches. Why am i talking about this?...well it is obvious for me, but hopefully it becomes more obvious for them when the walk through the rows of headstones at Beny-sur Mer cemetery and look at the ages and understand the sacrifices made by these young men in 1944 , specific to our touring today.
The kids will now board the bus once again after about 30 minutes on the beach and head about 15 minutes further up the coast to a little place called Juno Beach....ever heard of it? Have you ever been? Juno beach center is a privately funded operation that is in dedication to the efforts of so many in WWII and especially during the invasion know as Operation Overlord....tough not to be a proud Canadian after I tell you what happens to the kids in the next 2 hours..... The Juno Beach center gives the kids an opportunity to hear, see and feel what the D-day landings were like. It starts off in a video room where the kids stand together in what is a simulated barge. As the video begins the English channel(La Manche if you were paying attention) surrounds them on the sides of wall/barge, so the kids get the feeling they are about to disembark and storm the beaches of named Juno for the operation.
I am a very proud Canadian and have no problem telling people...in fact the kids should do the same and will after today I am sure. This section of beach that was assigned to the Canadian divisions is often seen in history as the most difficult objective, rivaled only with Omaha beach taken by the Americans, in terms of opposition from the Germans that the Canadians were forced to take on. And of course we took the beach....and by the end of the tour the kids have been on the beaches and have learned gratitude and pride even moreso than a few weeks ago. From Juno we move onto my first little side trip I might add( I may come back as a tour guide some day) to a place called Berniere sur Mere.....of all the places in Europe dedicated to the war efforts and struggles, of which there are many to visit and see, there are certain ones as Canadians that you need to take time to see.....this is one of those places. I am not putting this little place, a beautiful old beach house actually, on par with Vimy ridge, but it is a must see.
The story of the Berniere, which is still owned by the same family as in 1944, goes like this..... During the d-day invasions as the Canadians stormed the beaches of Juno and in this particular section called "Nan White", a division led by the Queen's Own Rifles was able to push the Germans back far enough as to take back control of this house. It was the very first house regained by the Allies in all of Europe, during these invasions. The family still flies the flags to this very day....one being Canadian and one from the Queens Own Rifles regiment. As we gather in front of the house for our picture I happen to notice that a man is coming out with his black lab pup.... I kick my french into high gear and offer a hello...ooops bonjour monsieur, nous sommes canadien et nous sommes tres honores de voir ta maison. He delightfully obliges us and comes over to shake my hand....this is to cool....maybe we could take a picture with him( I do hope I am not imposing on him).....its Easter sunday morning and we get to meet the owner of the house.....Brye comes up to help with the french...mine is ok but we have some strong french students so this is another curricular activity taking place overseas.... After a brief introduction Brye and I are pleasantly shocked when he says...voulez vous entrer la maison? What you want us to go in? Biensure monsiuer....nous sommes tres honores...mais nous sommes un group trop grand pour entrer....yes my french writing is worse than my speaking...actually Barb said she was impressed with my ability to speak..I am not so sure!
Well after about 2 minutes there are a pile of shoes and sneakers on his front doorstep and we are actually in the house....it was his grandfather's house in 1944 and some of the relatives were there because its easter sunday and we get to meet them all...grace and brye take over as he begins to tell stories and the girls translate the stories and recounts that his family has of the era. He was not born then but has a ton of memorabilia and they are so inviting its amazing...the older ladies in the house i am conversing with will hardly hear of my thanks for letting us in and she says that is they that should be thankful for the canadians....before we leave the hugs and kisses are flowing throughout the group and the older ladies....cutest of all was nathan kissing the older ladies hand then she wanted to give him a kiss on the cheek...problem was she was not that big....the kids are amazed at this outpouring of love, appreciation and thankfulness towards them...these are the stories that we have been seeking, the world tour has officially officially begun...they will be ready to take Vimy by the end of today....
Off to Beny sur Mer cemetery a very significant piece of the Commonwealth War Graves commission. At Beny there are 9 sets of brothers buried, which is the most of any Canadian military cemetery. There is also a special surprise for the kids as we are going to do our first grave rubbing and its on a very special gravesite, but the kids don't know who yet. After arriving at Beny, we are told the 2nd bus was delayed at Juno and will hopefully joining us soon. Kelly and I have decided that this would be a good place to lay a wreath because it is also a place where there are a significant number of North Nova Scotia highlanders, made up of many boys from PEI and Summerside and west especially. When i first visited here i was struck by something that i saw and have been attached to the memory of that encounter since then. As i gather the kids around the particular grave and tell them that we are going to do our first grave rubbing I tell them why I have chosen this grave and now I will tell you. When I think back to 2006, I remember hearing story after story about young men from my colleagues' schools or towns or even relatives. But i had no real connection to anyone at this point. That was until the day in Beny in 2006. I remember walking in this beautiful cemetery and walking row on row reading the names of the soldiers who had died...no different than any other cemetery that I have spent time in, many than yous had been spoken....as I came to row 16 and plot X i saw the name CJ Macdonald died july 8 1944... North Nova Scotia Highlanders...I thought that he was more than likely from the Maritimes because of the regiment ...it was not until the inscription at the bottom of the headstone did i realize my connection....he was from where I live..where I call home...Summerside. If you were to ask prior to the 2006, I would have told you that I was from Sherwood but lived in Summerside....that was the day that all changed. The inscription read "God grant this Summerside boy his eternal rest. Gone but not forgotten". Proud Canadian and from then on very proud to call Summerside my home. So back to today....after telling the kids this story about how and where this journey really began, I began to connect to them Beny sur Merand eventually Thelus as the main starting points to these world veterans tours. We have decided to give CJ macdonald, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Macdonald of Summerside a little ceremony and as well as to take him home, so to speak....after a few words of remembrance we have now placed a pei pin, a summerside pin, our tosh commemorative pieces as well as wreath....just small token of thanks from these Summerside youth.... Emotionally we are on a high and that is the purpose. Keying on that and also wanting to keep the kids awake for the 5 hours drive to our next destination, David Harrod our excellent tour director suggests that the kids come to the microphone and tell some tales about their veterans. After no volunteers other than Brendan who is more than willing to take the mic, David resorts to pressure tactics...he is now going to hold people accountable for being late to the bus when we are departing....this is where you find out, maybe not shocked or maybe are shocked that these little darlings might do such a thing first up is.....Matt McNeil, who has two tardy checks on his card but also has a great story to tell. Next up Blair, yep late today leaving Juno beach museum because she was being overly social(definitely not a crime) and she also had a great story to tell...next on the list Matt’s partner in crime, who in fact was blamed by Matt for one of the tardy checks, also recounts some great information about her journey to this point....the last of the latecomers was big Luke, sorry Margo and Bill, lack of sleep has not only had him in a singing mood at 2 AM but in a daze sometimes wandering around, but once again a great story to tell. We finally get a few volunteers such as Katie MacKay, who was brought to tears by a number of epitaphs on grave markers...CJ who stretched at the wrong time(this was working like an auction!) and he was stuck,; however, we heard an interesting story of his grandafther in a brothel!! In fact in his subtle wit Cj also mentioned it was the only place her ever saw any action.....the action being when he had to remove service men and get them back to base because CJ’s grandfather was a member of the military police!! Brye also volunteered to speak and taught the students about the Russia involvement in the first world war. The kids are learning and teaching at the same time...I think I am seeing a transformation, but in all honesty the transformation was beginning long ago and that is why I was excited to go on this trip.
Finally, we arrive at Thelus Cemetery, very close to Vimy now, and this is the place where I have a particular affinity for, because it is the name of one man the really got me involved in all of this and made me recognize the importance of remembrance in the future. This is a beautiful cemetery in the middle of a farmer’s field...it’s actually rarely visited becuase as your are speeding by you will miss it quite easily. I am always very excited when I get here and this will be my 3rd visit back to visit my veteran. This will also be a chance for some of the kids to do grave rubbings. The wind has turned cold but the rain has stopped as we begin to do some of the rubbings for them to take home with them. After both buses arrive and are on site, I gather the kids around the grave marker of Corporal Charles John Clue...the real person repsonsible for your son or daughter’s trip overseas in 2012. So please let me take a minute to tell you the story of CJ Clue:
Charles John Clue was born at Shepherd’s Bush in September 12 ,1885, the second of six children of Henry and Emma Jane Clue. He was educated at a school in Hammersmith, England he emigrated to Canada in early 1910 where he found employment as a butcher. Enlisting in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force at Saskatoon in March 1916, he arrived in France as a newly promoted Acting Corporal in January 1917 and was posted to the 21st Battalion, Canadian Infantry. On 9 April 1917, Charles John Clue went missing in action as was later reported killed in action on the first day of the battle of Vimy Ridge. It was noted in the research that Clue had earned $33.10 in April 1917 and on 30 April 1917 his total earnings of $98.89 was paid to his mother, then of Shepherds Bush Road, London, England. Later on his mother was alos presented with the British War and Victory Medals (204407 Cpl., 21-Can. Inf.) and related Memorial Plaque (Charles John Clue) and Canadian Memorial Cross, G.V.R., officially inscribed, ‘204407 Cpl. C. J. Clue’, good very fine and better. Clue was interred in a communal grave in Thelus Military Cemetery, which stands on Vimy Ridge. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice...... This gentleman had no business going to the war at his age..he should have been starting and caring for a wife and family, instead he was giving up these things that we so often take for granted in our own lives. The kids are finally seeing the impact of these ultimate sacrifices and the ages of these young people on the headstones before them have started to affect them deeply, and we haven’t even reached the pinnacle of our trip yet. Off from Thelus to Lille for a fairly eraly night as tomorrow is a 5 Am wake up call and a return to the hotel at about midnight or later. April 9th will be a day to remember for these young men and women from Summerside
After meeting the Canadian groups back at the Canadian War memorial, EF and Dave Robinson were able to line up everyone up very efficiently and the march has begun. I must say that I am a very proud Canadian and these are the times with which I grow even more proud to live where I do. A sea of red has begun to infiltrate the streets of London leading to “Bucky Shack” and eventually through Canada gates...as previoulsy mentioned we will be the largest contingent of Canadians in Green Park since the end of the war. The ceremony begins around the Canadian fountain in the park and it is surrounded by that sea of red I also mentioned before...the sun is shining and it is warm and wonderful to be standing with all of the kids as days of old are recounted. A number of students recite pieces of literature about war time and wreaths are laid follwoing the solemn playing of the LASt Post and the Reveille...Honorable Gordon Campbell the High Commissioner for Canada is present as is the Minster responsible for Veterans Affairs Steven Blainey, a CFAer, and they speak glowingly about the role these kids are playing in our future of remembrance and i fully concur! Following the ceremony at Green Park its back to the TUBE and off the Imperial War Museum....Brendan is so excited it’s hilarious! The kids, as I think I have already mentioned(not sure because my blogging has been spotty at best!) are becoming extremely adept at moving through the TUBE, this comment will be even more evident a little later in the today’s edition. AS we left the very moving ceremony, the kids are starting to see why they came here, someone needs to take up the torch of Remembrance and it needs to be them. I feel that we are in good hands! The Imperial War Museum is the first stop today(really yesterday, but again I am pretending) on our museum and history tour. The museum itself is home to many pieces of quite rare artifacts from both WWI and WWII, in fact it has also recently expanded to include information about veterans and current conflicts in the world, such as Afghanistan. Brendan is about to go on display as he is extremly knowledgeable in all areas of war machinery. This is usually the time I cherish most with Brendan, as I have nowhere near the knowledge on these things. Most of my interest centers around the personal stories of veterans as you well know. Strategy and the war machine are Brendan’s strong suits for sure. The museum is actually quite amazing as it features full size spitfires hanging from the ceiling along with other artifacts such as a one of a kind German rocket prototype that is really neat. One of the most amazing pieces are the German V1 and V2 bombs that we heard about earlier today when we were learning about the air raids throughout London...I am completely amazed at how the Brits were able to survive these raids. I have actually attached a random video that should show you much of what Brendan showed me. The kids loved this museum and many also got to experience a very moving and sombre Holocaust exhibit throughout the entire third floor. I have been quite intrigued with the Holocaust after reading Eli Weisel’s novels and even moreso after visiting Amsterdam and the holocaust museum and deporation sight along with Anne Frank’s house on our last world tour. This was certainly one fo the more impressive exhibits i have ever seen and very forthcoming about what exactly took place. The exhibit actually finished with a scale model of the Auschwitz site and fairly graphic explanantions of what was going on each step of the way.
Another movie reference coming up, as there was another exhibit dedicated to the British intelligence agencies set up by Churchill in the 40’s know as MI5 and of course James Bond...according to the exhibit there was more truth to what actually happened in some of those movies than you would believe. All in all a very fun day and Justin and Brendan are in their glory discussing aircraft(Justin’s forte) and land and sea vehicles(Brendan’s forte)....great day! I want you to know that some of the quieter ones are also enjoying themelsves ...I am not playing playing favorites and actaully hang with many of the kids but the fact is some of them just don’t say much...I would say some are still a little initmidated by the European experience, its a little busier than Summerside! From the Imperial War Museum we head to dinner at Wagamama for noodles...some of the tough ones are using teh chopsticks and some wimps are asking for forks. Not sure if I should classify it that way or more like some are starving and don’t want to waste time with the chopsticks and want to dig in with forks!!! The last movie reference of the day but it needs to be mentioned...CJ is still hungry and so am I..we have another plate of noodles in front of us...I tell him you be lady and I will be tramp...let's eat these noodles!!! I think Alex has a nice shot of it as well!! The decision has been made that these kids have been so awesome that they are getting with rewarded with a longer day and some night life and shopping in Piccadily Circus. Since we are on a travel day tomorrow the kids can sleep on the bus, so a late night and early morning won’t hurt them at all. But prior to that we are of to the Churchill War Rooms and Churchill Museum. I asked Brendan if going here was the equivalent of me going to my first Bruins game, but he decidely said it would only be the equivalent of me going to a Bruins game....I thought Brendan really knew me....no way would he be that excited for anything!
The Churchill War rooms were the heartbeat of the British war effort, especially the bunkers during the air raids. Everything is set the way in which it was 70+ years ago and the adjoining Churchill museum is a wonderful look at probably one fo the most beloved Brits of all time. In fact, JFK said that Churchill was one of the most important figures in human history...wow...The kids also loved learning about the man who’s face is so recognizable in this area of the world. What they didn’t know was the very peronsal side of Churchill and his affinity for painting and his family. Churchill’s history is one of a noble past but as a child he was basically ignored by his father, Lord Randolph Churchill, as he was sent away to boarding school at the ripe old age of 7. From that point on Chruchill became very involved in the defence of Britain as a soldier and eventaully the defender of the country during its most trying times.
There really wasn;t much that Churchill didn’t do...he was elected, he was basically fired, he was re-elected and stayed a member of parliamnet until he was 90 years old. HE was hated by some, loved by many and respcted by all for his efforts to defend his country and the whole of Europe. What many of the kids enjoyed was hearing about his wit....if you were unaware Churchill was known for his quick wit, dreadful honesty, love of cigars and of course his drinking!!! He was also the first commoner of Britain ever granted a state funeral...far from a common man. The last exhibit was a video of the funeral back in 1965 I believe, not long after his 90th birthday and 70 years to the day that his father died. But it was his wit that caught most of the kids attention by a number of the quotes that Churchill is given credit for....for example this comment was made in parliament...
Mrs. Baddock: “'You are drunk Sir Winston, you are disgustingly drunk.
Churchill: 'Yes, Mrs. Braddock, I am drunk. But you, Mrs. Braddock are ugly, and disgustingly fat. But, tomorrow morning, I, Winston Churchill will be sober.”
Or another one of my favorites....
“Lady Nancy Astor: Winston, if you were my husband, I'd poison your tea.
Churchill: Nancy, if I were your husband, I'd drink it.”
However, on a more serious note, Churchill also had a few more telling quotes that we can all learn from..
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
In the end, these kids are learning a great deal in a very short period of time....these are those WOW moments that we all look for in teaching...I like to think that I get these all the time in class, but I just don’t. It’s not that we get it everyday on tour, but we certainly have more opprotunites at times with the exceptional experinces that we have at our dispossal. After herding everyone out of the of Museum we are off on a brisk 15 minute walk to Piccadilly. Barb get your walking boots on because we are hoofing it!!! I have also failed to mention the parents involved...Danny and Kim Brawn, Angela Carragher and Lisa ROnahan have all been extremly helpful and great travelers. Margie has everyone helathy ot this point and Alex is going to provide you with memories of the trip to last a lifetime. So thanks to everyone involved. Off we go! Piccadilly Circus is the equivalent of Times Square in New york and has some great shopping for everyone. But it’s the crowds and the atmosphere that is most exciting. I have attached another random youtube video, but in order to understand the atmosphere on a holiday weekend, you might want to triple the population of the area in order to understand what it was like for us. IN fact the TUBE excursion after the clsoing of the stores at 10 had roughly about 1000 people cramming in to 8 stalls to get into the station...these kids were really composed for rookies! Upon returning to the hotel the kids are asked to pack and be ready for the 5 AM wakeup call and breakfast at 6 AM. We’ll see if they are really morning people....
Well well we are finally into Day 3(actually nearly done as soon as I get this darn thing written) I really don’t you to fell sorry for me, but I spent the first hour of the bus ride writing about our yesterday adventures...and forgot it all on the bus tonight and was unable to retrieve it...so here we go wrirting it all over again...so if you read it tonight and it looks different in the AM(Sunday) thatis because I have my notes back and have made some adjustements...stupid maybe, but I promised you this would get done!!! Ok so let’s set the day(Saturday is just beginning...use your imaginations) Into Day 3 and the kids were up at 5 and at breakfast by 6 and all is well...even the non-morning people are relatively cheery...Katie MacLean says that she is an all day person...I’ll check with Neil and Cathy and get back to all of you on that...Today is on to Canterbury then onto the see the White Cliffs of Dover where Becky says that she is going to belt out the song and a Happy Birthday shout out to Becca and Makayla on their 17th birthday....so it will be goodbye to the UK, you were good to us and we all want to come back....and onto France....but first Canterbury. Canterbury is basically the equaivalnet of St. Peter’s Basilica but for Anglicans instead of us Catholics...now I have been to the Basicilica and it was unbeleivable and this one is on par. More Gothic in style, but the size is astounding and the architecture almost unbelievable really when you think of the era inwhich it was built! I will attach anotehr video for you to see..or why not just come over...its worth seeing trust me!
The kids also get to see the other side of Canterbury as its middle age buildings are also very commercialized and with some newer buildings sprinkled in bewtween....so yes they get to shop!!! All is well in the world! From Canterbury we head to the Dover Docks and get to see the famous white cliffs and board our ferry for our trip to Calais and the 2nd stage of our journey in France. Very easy ride down and easy exit from our coach as we become walk on passengers and our luggage is collected along with a couple of hundred other Canadians. Excited for my first ferry ride since the Abby! This one looks must the same, but with a duty free shop, a liquor store and a few bars...imagine that on the Abby...jeepers that would have been downright dangerous! Following the 90 minute crossing...Bievenue a France and in the most special France way we are greeted with nothing... what do you mean...well we were lucky we had our bus but 4 others groups didn’t.....
ok what about our luggage? What do you mean you do not know anything about luggage??
How they heck do you think we have been living for the past few days...
of you say you think you may be able to make a call and see....Merci beaucoup monsieur...
oh you say you have found the truck we loaded it onto...merci encore...
and you will get that truck to us...things are looking up...merci merci encore!!
You will have the truck here in a minute...bien oui monsieur, merci un troisieme fois...
merci pour le camion avec le baggage...quoi..what...you just park it and leave???
...yep that’s right 300 pieces of luggage and they won’t unload it...screw this I will do it....I jumped int the back of the truck and start unloading all of the luggage..another few minutes and after one chap has retrieved his own luggage he leaves...excuse me kind sir are you from west of Quebec and East of Manitoba?? Thought so...thanks!! That was rude of me sorry folks but that was what I felt like saying...was a little frustrated at the moment! Anyhow...Wade Forbes jumps in after a few minutes and we both unload the entire truck as the french ferry personal sit in the cab of the truck waiting for us to finish...the only other helpers are of course...Islanders..hate to brag, but we are they best!!! Well after a brisk workout and about an hour delay we are off from Calais to Caen for the night. The kids are pooped so its good for them to sleep for the first 30 minutes because there is very little to see as this the insutrial area of France and not very appealing to the eye at all so they are not missing much. AS we move closer to the Normandy region it becomes quite beautiful..if you think we have rolling hills you haven’t seen anything. They also get a good picture of why the war effort and taken this area back from the Germans was so difficult because of the landscape. After about a three hour drive through areas like the Somme valley we arrive at Caen and I need to sleep! We have a 6 AM wake up call and its after 1 AM..tomorrow we are on Juno Beach and Beny sur Mer cemetery and up to Thelus for our cemetery! I can’t wait!!! Take care and bonne soire! dc
Everyone seems to be a little more rested today after a 10 hour sleep night...well except for and Luke, wait no Luke was still asleep the boys said when he sat up at about midnight or 1 and wanted to order a premium coffee from the restaurant downstairs; however, when that idea past he said that the hotel had lovely towels??? Bill and Margo I am now waiting for a rendition of O Canada in the middle of the night..at least Luke said he can sing as well when he sleeps!!! Anyways, we woke up to beauftiful sunny skies and a day of about 10-12 for most of the day....perfect since we will be spending most of it outside. After getting both groups situated for the day, I say both groups because we are forced to split one small group from the main group to go with the others from Bluefield, Morell and Kensington. Gladly the kids are little disappointed to be separated, this means that they are getting along great...rest assured to all of you that once we hit France we will be less congested and the groups won’t be separeated as much. Kelly and Amanda are doing well with the smaller group and are seeing basically the same sights. After about a two hour tour of London with a tour guide where we were able to see everything Harrod’s to Madame Tousseau’s wax musuem to the area where Dodi Al-Fayed lived before his sudden death in the car crash with Princess Di. The history of London is astounding and I have to admit I will be sad to leave....it really is a wonderful city and we remarked at how safe we all feel and how unbelieavably clean the place is...in fact there are very few garbage cans in the city. Do you know why? Well not sureif you do, or want to...guess I will tell you anyways. .....they removed many of them due to terrorist bombings in the 1980’s. No worries from our end though so don’t fret. Your kids are also now experts in tube travel...we have hit two nights of unbelievable crowds and never had one missed connection or even close call...unbielevable honest! They are great travellers! After dumping the bus and making some connections via the Tube and walking we arrive at the beautiful areas/gardens surrounding Puckingham Palace....Queenie is not in today, she called this AM and let me know she was having her hair done and would not be around. Neither were Kate or Pippa so the boys were disappointed...the girls we looking for Harry and couldn’t find him either. We thought Charles was disguised as one of the guards outside his residence because one of them had ears the size of watermelons!!! Under their controversial Canadian Bear skin hat this one guard had ears that would rival an African elephant or Charles...whichever comment would get me in less trouble around here...Alex remarked that with 5000 people around and horses and bobbies and everything going on..how the heck did I notice the guys ears?? Not sure....just a talent I have I guess....the large group actually lucked out and was able to see the changing of the guard from quite a distance but we were there nontheless. Nice to see at least once in your life, but with 7000-8000 people there on a holiday it was not easy to get a real good glimpse of them in front of the palace, although we were able to watch them parade up the road away from the palace....reminded me of the Gold Cup parade actually...sorry Liz but not something that I haven’t seen much of before when they are not in front of your big house!!! Off to the Green Park cermony...the largest gatehring of Canadians in Green Park since the end of the war, in fact they rarely open Canada Gate, which is situated to the left of the Liz’s shack and are simply beautiful as is the park. This city is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, although a huge city it has unreal green spaces and the people of London certainly use them...wonderful to see! Folks I just looked at the time and on advisement from my family I am going to need to finish this report tomorrow evening...we are heading to France tomorrow and I need to be up in about 2.5 hours and I haven’t packed yet...I promise to tell you all about the ceremony at Green aPArk which was wondefully moving and just a precursor of things to come....I so sorry but I really should get some sleep tonight....cheers! dc
PS there is much more to discuss...Imperial War Museum with Brendan acting as volunteer tour guide...Churchill's Bunkers and Museum, Piccadilly Circus at night and of course the ceremony and march in front of Lizzy's little bungalow in London...my apologies...dead tired!!!
Day 1...Looks as if the theme so far this year will be
movies and TV shows...not sure where my mind wanders when I am writing about
these trips, but my first memories of day 1 are all about old TV Shows...well
older tv shows from when I was a kid!!!
The first show that came to mind was none of than Scooby-Doo...that is
because we had not ONE...but TWO mysteries on our hands before we even left the
little ole isle. The Episode will be
called the Case of the Missing P’s(person and passports)...You will find
out that unlike what the kids may report
to you about my “crankiness”, I actually try to keep things pretty light. Now to go on, for the first time in the
history of the TOSH World Tour we lost some in the OGCA...One Gate
Charlottetown Airport! Thankfully we had
the assistance of those finely dressed stalwarts of Canadiana, the men and
women dressed in crimson and pouffy pants...aka the RCMP, and they were able to
quickly assist us in the investigation of the first missing P, a person! Now to some of you that may seem quite alarming
and you are now probably questioning your decision making abilities by letting
your kids come along with us...well don’t fret people, I am actually quite a
responsible traveller. The untruths of
my stories have already begun because the RCMP officer that I previously mentioned
was none other than a plain clothes off duty, Mr. MacKay, Katie’s Dad! She was actually being taken out to lunch by
mom and dad before departure...So all is good Principal Haire and thanks for
inviting me to lunch MacKay family!!!
Now with that mystery solved we quickly fed Scooby and
Shaggy some of those delicious Scooby snacks because we are on to the next
mystery...the case of the missing passport!!! This one could prove a little
more difficult, especially because these magical documents have the ability to
open doors and give you access to strange places guarded by strangely clothed
beasts with blue rubber gloves...yikes!
With this mystery, Daphne and Velma(Kelly and Amanda...I’ll let them
fight over who is who) are tackling this one on their own. Seems to me if you
recall the most recent Scooby Doo movie, it was this kind of free lancing on mysteries
that split the gang up for a while.
Seems that no one let Fred(you know the good looking blonde athletic guy
from the hit series...or yours truly, haha) know about this mystery for at least 45
minutes! Apologies to Barb and Forrest,
I have yet to come up with characters for them or others...although Forrest
reminds me of the Swamp Creature most often!
Back to the mystery of the missing passport. Rumor has it that one of our thought to be most
reliable students , albeit a rookie traveler, had a case of mistaken identity
or amnesia, we now believe it was the first one! Who am I talking about you ask? None other than Becca Gallant...the Mystery
Inc. gang figured that she must have awoken in the morning and suddenly forgot
who she was...kinda like a Freaky Friday kind of thing, but on a
Wednesday! Now in her defence, she is
her mother’s daughter, but I always remarked to her aunt Susan(my sister) that
Becca looked more like the Gallant’s in South Rustico and Ryan(her brother)
more like Kay’s side..not today I guess!
The story unravelled like this, so I am told...Becca was about to show
Becky her wonderful passport photo while waiting in line to grab her boarding passes,
when low and behold, she glanced at the picture and a loud “EEEEEK” could be
heard throughout the terminal!!! Sorry
Kay, it was not because of YOUR picture, it was because it was YOUR picture!!!
TV show reference #3 then took effect....Speed Racer
starring Becca's mom, Kay!!! Back to Summerside she
went to collect the missing passport and hopefully get back to Charlottetown
before the plane took off without Becca and MMEEEEEEEEEE! Luckily we also had an EF representative, Veronique
at the airport waiting with us! Let me
tell you that EF has gone above and beyond on this tour, they actually flew
someone in for the day from Montreal to deal with all passengers leaving from
this airport to assist with any issues!
You can’t beat EF Tours and that won’t be my only plug for EF on this
tour I guarantee it! End of EF commercial and back to the show...... with he mystery solved, we move to a movie reference, as “Kay” Gump was spotted running into the terminal and
then Becca and I were able to run out onto the tarmac about 2 seconds before
the door shut!!! NO worries all in a day’s
work when travelling!!! HAHA!!!
After a great flight and a windy little landing in Toronto, we prepare to wait a couple of
hours for our connection and a really good pita wrap at Kensington market in Pearson(worth the
flight right there!!!) we are aboard our aircraft to London!
Not sure about another movie reference, but I am thinking about
one of the most boring movies I have ever seen because that was the
feeling...oh I got it...the very first movie Julie and I ever went to
see...Sense and Sensibility...arrrggghhhh!!!!
Luckily being with my future wife on our first date kept me from pulling
my eyes out of their sockets!!! We have
talked at length to the kids about international travel and its ability to make
you hurry up and wait...the kids are so excited to get to London, but they are
awesome!!!! No use in worrying just deal
with it and move on!!! When the airline permits you to move that is as
well....Great way to sell their airline when the captain says that they are
having mechanical issues and they HOPE to have them fixed, just saying...I HOPE
they get them fixed as well!!! I am also
getting in a bit of trouble with the flight attendants because of my new noise
cancelling over the ear headphones, they are beauties!!! Birthday gift to myself(Julie will be sure to
comment on that one!!!) The exists with
air Canada, and maybe others, that you are not permitted over the ear style
headphones during take off...got it...however, we ain’t taking off...in fact we
haven’t moved in 60 minutes!!! Don't get me wrong here, I wholly understand policies and rules are
important because they may impede safely evacuating during an emergency during
takeoff, well this must also be a new way to approach a takeoff, because to my knowledge most
planes don’t take off going in reverse, which we are now doing, when she told me
to take them off for the 2nd time(interrupting the Muppet movie I might
add!) Oh well, we had back to the
terminal and all is good and we finally leave about 2.5 hours behind schedule
without ever getting off the plane!!! Now the kids are really exicted and we
are really hoping they can sleep!!!
We are officially going to be 2 hours late...that’s how I
roll even internationally, just ask my parents and my wife!! Haha...The kids are handling the transatlantic
flight perfrectly with many sleeping and others like Marissa bouncing off the
walls!!! She is too funny and way too
excited about this trip, I love it!!!
Descending into Heathrow it is 8 degrees and cloudy and we
are tired but far from fresh, but all still really exicted...Becky and I have
just watched the Muppets song “manamana” from the movie about 5 times and actually sang it out loud at 3
AM on the flight and we think we have adopted it as out theme song!!! Off the airplane...all kids accounted for and
luggage(very important, because Kevin Bustard from Kinkora didn't get his!) and off to meet my friend and tour director David Harrod from London,
the kids will really like him....great guy!
After getting acquainted and all luggage on and off the bus
at the hotel and into their rooms, the adventure is continuing to downtown London....already
I know that I would travel with these guys anywhere....after very little sleep
and a few delays they are hitting the TUBE with enthusiasm and a lot of excitement!! Makes it easy for us and hard in some ways because
a few of our not so
seasoned travellers seem to want to run ahead and spread the group thin...a no-no especially
with David Harrod..all is still good!
After leaving what must be the busiest airport in the world, we are now
in what must be one of the busiest underground systems in the world...clean and
friendly staff and very easy to get around..I love London already....as we
emerge from the underground to spot the London Eye...pretty cool and to the
left Big Ben...not quite How Chevy Chase saw it in "European Vacation" ...referenced below!!! But more like how we really saw it above...
From lunch beside parliament and Big Ben we move on to much
of the history of London which includes many of the War memorials left to
remember the past..we will actually spend much more time on this tomorrow as we
head back down to Green Park for our first commemorative ceremony in the
afternoon after a morning of more touring around London. We moved onto Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square....great places to see and we will have more time in these areas tomorrow....Covent Garden has some great shopping but the kids are getting tired and ready for a break which
we are soon about to give them in a restaurant for Bangers and Mash...I’ll let
you figure out what they ate...and did they ever eat...this might be the best
group yet! WE have walked all day and passed some beautiful sights as you could see such as St. Paul's Cathedral.... after
being up all night and the kids have been inbed for about 2 hours and I am
heading there as well...they are safe and getting ready for our first big day
which actually begins with a radio interview on BBC tomorrow morning that we
arranged through EF today and then onto presenting our provincial flag and school flag at a parade through Green Park
which is just up from Downing street where you know who lives?? Another trivia question for you!!! I will also upload a few more pics tomorrow
when the kids get me their cards and such.....also a note I am having technical
difficulties with my phone and will hopefully have it solved by tomorrow and
will keep you updated! We have already
done so much I can’t imagine what tomorrow we’ll bring and I will try to
shorten my stories, but we thought they were funny!!! They will all smell, look and feel better tomorrow after a good night's sleep! Signing off from beautiful London, England!!! Just thought I would leave you a couple of quick pics from our ride back on the TUBE to the hotel for the night as well and play a little game called name that sleeping kid!!!...enjoy
.png)
